I got angry at my wife today. And then we had dinner in silence.
After dinner, I started watching a YouTube video by Swami Sarvapriyananda on Upanishads. My wife opened up to me saying that all this gathering of spiritual wisdom is of no use if I can't control my emotions.
I said to myself that she had a valid point.
Am I not being a hypocrite if I am listening and talking of lofty ideals like enlightenment and self-actualization when I can't even control my anger?
Then I wondered aloud, "Did Buddha, after attaining enlightenment, still have emotions and feelings left in him?"
"Isn't he still a human being, with all the baggage that comes with it, who is just wide awake?"
After pondering over a while I came to the conclusion that enlightenment doesn't mean cessation of emotions. Even a Buddha would feel anger, jealousy, and envy arising in him. But the difference will be that he will be 100% aware and accepting of it and hence will not be swayed by the emotions.
But how do I make peace with the inner turmoil?
I am getting angry at some (significant or insignificant) stuff or behavior and I am also watching spiritual videos.
So, should I first upgrade my E.Q (Emotional Quotient) and then think of enlightenment? Or becoming emotionally resilient and strong is inherent in spiritual progress? Or both go hand in hand?
My Take
I think all these techniques like ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) can help in spiritual progress too. Meditation and mindfulness practice can help in developing emotional intelligence too.
It could be said that a lot of the different aspects of being human that we tend to see in isolation are in fact closely interconnected. And it is not as simple to understand their correlation.
So, instead of harboring any doubts and being self-critical, I should instead keep on walking the path and course-correcting it when required.
Just because I get angry doesn't mean I should stop gaining spiritual wisdom. And just because I have progressed on spiritual path doesn't mean I will become devoid of emotions.
Your Take
What is your opinion, your take on this subject matter?
Do you think there is a relation between emotional intelligence and spiritual mastery?